Sparks secure victory over Liberty despite late comeback, with Breanna Stewart's injury casting a shadow over the defeat
Liberty Fall Short in a Thrilling 101-99 Loss Against Sparks
In a nail-biting encounter, the New York Liberty lost their fifth game of the season to the Los Angeles Sparks in a close 101-99 match. The defeat marked the end of a four-game road trip for the Liberty.
Breanna Stewart, averaging 19.0 points per game this season, had remained in the lineup despite several other players being out due to injury. However, she was injured early in the first quarter and did not return to the game. Her absence was felt as the Liberty trailed by as many as 15 points during the game.
Sabrina Ionescu, who scored 30 points in the game, tied the match at 95 with an and-one at the 2:18 mark of the fourth quarter. The Liberty managed to trim a 13-point halftime deficit to five points, but despite a valiant effort, they were unable to take a lead for good in the game.
Nadirah Curry, who filled in admirably for Stewart, finished the game with 16 points. Ionescu also contributed with 14 points, while Betnijah Laney added 12. However, it was Rickea Jackson who stole the show with her game-winning basket with seconds left. Surrounded by Stephanie Talbot, with her back turned to the basket, Jackson managed to score the decisive goal.
Talbot, who was only signed on Monday, played for the final 23 seconds of the game. Cloud, who had two 3s down the stretch in the fourth quarter, scored 22 points, falling one point short of matching her season-high.
The Liberty allowed the Sparks to shoot 51% from the field and 40% from 3-point range in the game. Head coach Sandy Brondello did not provide an update on Stewart's injury postgame. Ionescu expressed frustration about the loss, but also acknowledged the resiliency of the team.
Jones, discussing the challenge of facing a team with significant size, cited the Sparks' ability to rebound and post up as key factors in the game. Despite the loss, the Liberty will look to regroup and return to their winning ways in their next game.
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